Personal hygiene system

ABSTRACT

A personal hygiene system is provided herein. One embodiment comprises a personal hygiene device, such as for example an electric toothbrush, having wireless communication circuitry in combination with a computer readable medium containing processor executable instructions for causing a multimedia device that was previously unassociated with the personal hygiene device to communicate with the personal hygiene device, to receive data from the personal hygiene device related to the use of the personal hygiene device and for causing the multimedia device to provide an output as a function of the data.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a personal hygiene system having a personalhygiene device in wireless communication with a multimedia device, whichwas previously unassociated with the personal hygiene device. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to a personal hygieneappliance, such as, for example, an electric toothbrush configured tocommunicate wirelessly with a multimedia device, such as for example, acell phone, computer, portable game console or smart device.

BACKGROUND

Many personal hygiene devices provide little feedback to users. Sometoothbrushes provide audible feedback and have timers, such as a twominute timer that provides a beeping noise to signal the end of a normalbrushing cycle. These timers may also beep at 30 second intervals tosignal to a user to brush different quadrants of the mouth. In addition,some toothbrushes are equipped with pressure sensors that cause thebrushing motion to stop, thereby notifying the user that they arebrushing too hard or not hard enough.

SUMMARY

A novel personal hygiene system is provided herein. One embodimentcomprises a personal hygiene device, such as for example an electrictoothbrush, having wireless communication circuitry in combination witha computer readable medium containing processor executable instructionsfor causing a multimedia device that was previously unassociated withthe personal hygiene device to communicate with the personal hygienedevice, to receive data from the personal hygiene device related to theuse of the personal hygiene device and for causing the multimedia deviceto provide an output as a function of the data.

Another embodiment provides an oral care system. The system includes atoothbrush having wireless communication circuitry, an adapter forwirelessly interfacing the toothbrush with a multimedia device, and aprocessor readable medium containing processor executable instructionsfor causing the multimedia device to receive data transmitted from thetoothbrush and to display an output as a function of that data.

In yet another embodiment, a method of providing feedback related to theuse of a toothbrush is provided. The method includes the steps ofproviding a toothbrush having wireless communications capabilities forwirelessly communicating with a device which was previously unassociatedwith the toothbrush; and providing a processor readable mediumcontaining processor executable instructions to cause the previouslyunassociated device to wirelessly communicate with the toothbrush and todisplay data communicated from the toothbrush to the previouslyunassociated device.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a personal hygiene system consisting of anelectric toothbrush and a multimedia device in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block circuit diagram of the personal hygienesystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 a is an exemplary block circuit diagram of an embodiment of anadaptor having a connection port and a multimedia device having a matingconnection port.

FIG. 3 b is an exemplary block circuit diagram of an embodiment of anadaptor for interfacing between a personal hygiene device and amultimedia device.

FIG. 4 a is an exemplary embodiment of a toothbrush having motionsensors.

FIG. 4 b is an exemplary embodiment of an adaptor and sensing bar forconnecting to a multimedia device and tracking the motion of thetoothbrush of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary block circuit diagram of the toothbrush havingmotion sensors and the adaptor for a multimedia device in accordancewith the embodiments of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary logic flow diagram of communications between apersonal hygiene device and a multimedia device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of exemplary terms used throughoutthe disclosure. Both singular and plural forms of all terms fall withineach meaning. Except where noted otherwise, capitalized andnon-capitalized forms of all terms fall within each meaning.

“Circuit communication” as used herein indicates a communicativerelationship between devices. Direct electrical, electromagnetic, andoptical connections and indirect electrical, electromagnetic, andoptical connections are examples of circuit communication. Two devicesare in circuit communication if a signal from one is received by theother, regardless of whether the signal is modified by some otherdevice. For example, two devices separated by one or more of thefollowing—amplifiers, filters, transformers, optoisolators, digital oranalog buffers, analog integrators, other electronic circuitry, fiberoptic transceivers, or even satellites—are in circuit communication if asignal from one is communicated to the other, even though the signal ismodified by the intermediate device(s). As another example, anelectromagnetic sensor is in circuit communication with a signal if itreceives electromagnetic radiation from the signal. As a final example,two devices not directly connected to each other, but both capable ofinterfacing with a third device, for example, a CPU, are in circuitcommunication.

“Signal” as used herein includes but is not limited to one or moreelectrical signals, transmission signals, analog or digital signals, oneor more computer instructions, a bit or bit stream, or the like.

“Logic” is synonymous with “circuit” as used herein and includes but isnot limited to hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of eachto perform a function(s) or an action(s). For example, based on adesired application or need logic may include a software controlledmicroprocessor or microcontroller, discreet logic, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmedlogic device. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. The circuitsidentified and described herein may have many different configurationsto perform the desired functions.

Certain values identified in the detailed description are exemplary andthey are determined as needed for a particular personal hygiene system.Accordingly, the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed herein are notlimited to the particular values or ranges of values used to describethe embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a personal hygiene system 100 consisting of a rechargeableelectric toothbrush 103 and multimedia device 120 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present disclosure. Although the embodiments describedherein in detail are directed toward a toothbrush, the disclosure isapplicable to any personal hygiene device, such as for example a razor,a spray tan applicator, a spray makeup applicator, etc. In addition,toothbrushes that have manually operated heads, but include electronics,are included in the term “electric” toothbrush, such as for example, amanual toothbrush with electronics embedded in the handle. Moreover, theterm toothbrush includes handles (motorized handles if the toothbrushhas an motorized head) having other oral care implements attachedthereto, such as tongue cleaners, floss attachments, gum massagers,polishing elements, etc. Therefore use of the term toothbrush includes atoothbrush handle having an attachment that may not be a “brush.”

The rechargeable electric toothbrush 103 includes a charging base 110, amotorized handle 105, an on/off switch 106 and a display 107. Toothbrush103 includes wireless communications capabilities to communicate withmultimedia device 120 via wireless data signals 160, 165.

Multimedia device 120 can be any multimedia device that is previouslyunassociated with the toothbrush 103, and preferably is a common device,such as for example a game console, a cell phone, a smart device, apersonal computer, etc. In other words the multimedia device 120 iscommercially available or commonplace and is not sold as a device thatis dedicated for use with a personal hygiene device, such as thetoothbrush 103. As used herein, the term “smart device” refers to anyportable device capable of running one or more software applications.Smart devices also can be connected to the Internet or one or morecomputer networks. Smart devices include, but are not limited to,smartphones (for example, iPhone® or Blackberry® brand of smartphone),pda's, netbooks, GPS devices, tablets, e-readers, iPads®, mobile gameconsoles. In one embodiment, the multimedia device 120 is a simpledisplay. In another embodiment, the multimedia device 120 is a NINTENDODS, NINTENDO DSi XL or a SONY PSP. In the embodiment disclosed in FIG.1, the multimedia device 120 includes a first display 130, a seconddisplay 135, speakers 150, a first set of user arrow key inputs 140, anda plurality of pushbutton inputs 145. Multimedia device 120 may alsoinclude additional inputs or different types of inputs, such as forexample a keyboard (not shown).

Wireless communication 160 and 165 between the toothbrush 103 and themultimedia device 120 may be established through Bluetooth, WiFi, WLAN,LAN, cellular, or any type of radio communication. In one embodiment,wireless communications are established with a standard communicationprotocol for a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as IEEE 802.11.Such an embodiment is particularly suitable if multimedia device 120 is,for example, a NINTENDO DS, which has a built-in 802.11 WLANcommunication protocol. Other forms of wireless communication may beused, such as for example infrared (IR) transmitters/receivers oracoustical communications.

Multimedia device 120 includes software stored on a processor readablemedium having processor executable instructions for causing themultimedia device 120 to display information derived from the datasignals 160. In one embodiment, the processor readable medium is memory206 (FIG. 2). In addition, the processor executable instructions maycause the multimedia device 120 to download current news, comics,weather or sports information, or to display a joke of the day. In sum,the software may cause the multimedia device 120 to display informationnot related to the personal hygiene device 103, but that the user findsinteresting. The software may be downloaded wirelessly from, forexample, a wireless network and stored in the memory 206 (FIG. 2) of themultimedia device 120. Optionally, the software may reside on a gamecartridge for a game console, a jump drive, a compact disc, a DVD or anyother processor readable medium. The software enables multimedia device120 to recognize and communicate with the toothbrush 103 and causes themultimedia device 120 to display the desired output on displays 130 and135.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block circuit diagram of the personal hygienesystem 100. Personal hygiene system 100 includes electric toothbrush 103and multimedia device 120. Electric toothbrush 103 may include:rechargeable battery 212 that is recharged through an inductive charger(not shown); motor and motor control circuitry 210; on/off switch 106;display 107; memory 206; transmitting circuitry 216; receiving circuitry218; and pressure sensor 208; all in circuit communication with controlcircuitry 204. Control circuitry 204 includes a processor ormicroprocessor. Transmitting circuitry 216 and receiving circuitry 218include one or more antennas (not shown separately). The antennas may beseparate components or built into the printed circuit board containingthe transmitting circuitry 216 and receiving circuitry 218.

In addition, electric toothbrush 103 may also include a first user input220 and a second user input 222 in circuit communication with controlcircuitry 204. First and second user inputs 220, 222 may be any type ofinputs, and in one example, are pushbutton inputs. First and second userinputs 220, 222 may be used to communicate user input commands tomultimedia device 120 before, during, or after brushing. Although thisembodiment is described as having two user inputs, any number of userinputs may be provided. User inputs 220, 222 may be used to togglebetween different displays, highlight and select particular options orsettings, or to control a game being played on the multimedia device120.

Wireless communications are conducted through transmitting circuitry 216for transmitting data signals 160 to multimedia device 120 and receivingcircuitry 218 for receiving data signals 165 from multimedia device 120.The data signals 160 may be indicative of brushing information, such asfor example, brushing pressure, brushing time, quadrant of the oralcavity being brushed, type of brush head attached to the toothbrush 103,battery status, movement of toothbrush 103, position of toothbrush 103,or any other data relating to the operation of the toothbrush 103 or abrushing action. In addition, the data signals 160 may includeinformation relating to the activation of user inputs, such as forexample, first and second user inputs 220, 222.

Although exemplary embodiments of the devices described in detail hereinhave both transmitting circuitry and receiving circuitry, embodiments ofdevices are contemplated that only have transmitting circuitry or onlyhave receiving circuitry. For example, toothbrush 103 may optionallyinclude only transmitting circuitry 216 and multimedia device may onlyinclude receiving circuitry 258. In that embodiment, one way wirelesscommunications is utilized. Accordingly, the term wirelesscommunications encompass all wireless communications, including, but notlimited to, two way communications and one way communications.

Multimedia device 120 includes a first display 130, a second display135, memory 254, speaker 150, first user inputs 140, second user inputs145, transmitting circuitry 256, and receiving circuitry 258, all incircuit communication with control circuitry 252. Control circuitry 252includes a processor or microprocessor. The multimedia device 120 is notpreviously associated with the electric toothbrush 130, so a user neednot purchase a multimedia device 120 along with electric toothbrush 103.

Displays 130 and 135 may be used to display graphical and narrativeinformation derived from the data signals 160, such as brushing time,brushing pressure, battery status, location of toothbrush in oralcavity, movement of a character in a game, movement of the toothbrush,etc. In one embodiment, display 130 or display 135 displays historicalinformation based upon prior brushing activity, such as for exampletimes of day teeth were brushed, length of prior brushing times, maximumbrushing force, if too much brushing force is being applied, if toolittle brushing force is being applied, etc. In addition, statisticaldata may be displayed on displays 130, 135, such as for example averagebrushing time, average brushing force, average number of times teethbrushed per day, brushing behavior, etc. In addition, multimedia device120 may display instructions to the user on how to perform certainbrushing functions. For example, the multimedia device may provideinstructions for cleaning teeth, polishing teeth, massaging gums,whitening teeth, etc. In addition, by analyzing the data signals 160from toothbrush 103, multimedia device 120 may provide user feedback onhow well the user is performing the desired brushing function. Inaddition, the multimedia device 120 may display reminder messages, suchas “Did you remember to brush your teeth this morning?”

Data signals 165 transmitted from multimedia device 120 to toothbrush103 may include instructions for toothbrush 103 to change a setting,such as for example, maximum brushing pressure, brushing time, brushhead speed, brush head motion, or any other toothbrush setting. Datasignals 165 may also include instructions to signal the user to performa task or to look at the display, for example, by causing toothbrush 103to beep, or provide an audible tone. In one embodiment, data signals 165simply provide “handshake” information back to toothbrush 103 confirmingreceipt of data transmissions.

Optionally, toothbrush 103 includes logic for enabling toothbrush 103 tocommunicate using a plurality of communications protocols. In oneembodiment, during a setup procedure, a user may use inputs 220 and 222to scroll through a menu displayed on display 107 and select the type ofmultimedia device 120 that the user desires to have communicate with thetoothbrush 103. Once the desired multimedia device 120 is selected,logic within control circuitry 204 of toothbrush 103 causes toothbrush103 to communicate using a communications protocol that is compatiblewith the selected multimedia device 120. Optionally, toothbrush 103 mayestablish communications with the selected multimedia device 120 throughtrial and error, attempting to communicate by sequentially transmittingdifferent communications protocols and waiting for a response. When themultimedia device 120 responds properly to one of the communicationsprotocols, the toothbrush 103 and multimedia device 120 establishcommunications using that protocol.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a block circuit diagram 300 of an adaptor 310configured to connect to a multimedia device 350. In this exemplaryembodiment, multimedia device 350 either does not have built in wirelesscommunication capabilities, or if it has wireless communicationcapabilities, the communication protocol is not compatible with thecommunication protocol of the personal hygiene device (not shown).Adaptor 310 includes receiving circuitry 320 in circuit communicationwith communication control circuitry 340. Communication controlcircuitry 340 includes a processor or microprocessor and is in circuitcommunication with memory 330 and connector 335. Receiving circuitry 320receives a signal transmitted from a personal hygiene device (notshown). The signal is processed by communication control circuitry 340and is stored in memory 330. Optionally, adaptor 310 also includestransmitting circuitry 345 in circuit communication with communicationcontrol circuitry 340. Transmitting circuitry 345 may transmit signalsback to the personal hygiene device (not shown). Communication controlcircuitry 340 is in circuit communication with port 335 which isconfigured to connect with multimedia device 350. Port 335 may be anytype of connector, such as, for example, a USB port, serial portconnector, parallel port connector, infrared interface, proprietary gamecartridge port, etc.

Multimedia device 350 includes previously described components havingthe same reference numbers and those parts are not re-described herein.In addition to the previously described components, multimedia device350 includes port 355. Port 355 may be any connector, such as, forexample, a USB port, serial port connector, parallel port connector, orinfrared interface or proprietary game cartridge port, that interfaceswith port 335 of the adaptor 310.

Communication control circuitry 340 may derive data from the signalreceived from the personal hygiene device, and then provide that data tomultimedia device 350 through ports 335, 355. Optionally, memory 330 maybe in direct circuit communication with port 335 (see dashed circuitcommunication line 350, FIG. 2) and multimedia device 350 may retrievethe data derived from the signal from memory 330.

In one embodiment, adapter 310 is in the form of a game cartridge. Suchan adaptor may be inserted into a gaming console and permit the gamingconsole to communicate with the personal hygiene device (not shown). Inanother embodiment, adaptor 310 may be in the form of a jump drive andcommunicate with the multimedia device 350 through a USB port.

FIG. 3 b illustrates an exemplary interface adaptor 375. Interfaceadaptor 375 may be used to interface between a personal hygiene device(not shown) that communicates using a first communications protocol anda multimedia device (not shown) that communicates using a secondcommunications protocol. Interface adaptor 375 includes the same maincomponents as adaptor 310 and like referenced components are notredescribed herein. In addition, interface adaptor 375 includes a powersource 380 in circuit communication with communication control circuitry340. Power source 380 may be a battery, power from a standard outlet, ormay be an induction coupling which generates power when placed upagainst an induction charging base (not shown), such as for example thecharging base for an electric toothbrush. Interface adaptor 375 does notinclude a connector port. Interface 350 receives data signalstransmitted from an electric toothbrush using a first communicationprotocol. Communication control circuitry 340 converts the data signalsin the first communications protocol to data signals in a secondcommunications protocol. Transmission circuitry 345 transmits the datasignals in the second communications protocol to a multimedia device(not shown) which is configured to communicate in the secondcommunications protocol.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b respectively illustrate an electric toothbrush 400 andadaptor 450 in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. Toothbrush 400 is substantially the same as electrictoothbrush 103 described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition,toothbrush 400 also includes one or more motion sensors 420 a, 420 b.Motion sensor 420 a, 420 b may be any type of sensor used to detectmotion, such as, for example, 3D accelerometers, inertia sensors,position sensors, imaging sensors or combinations of different types ofmotion sensors. Preferably motion sensors 420 a, 420 b areaccelerometers. Accelerometers may monitor the position/motion oftoothbrush 400 by measuring capacitance, or the ability to storeelectric charge, in different regions of the accelerometer when thetoothbrush is moved in different directions. For example, when a usermoves toothbrush 400 forward, the capacitance increases at the back ofthe accelerometers 420 a, 420 b and decreases at the front. Theaccelerometers 420 a, 420 b use the capacitance measurements todetermine how far and in what direction toothbrush 400 moves. In oneembodiment, toothbrush 400 also includes an infrared detector 425.Infrared detector 425 may also be used to provide position and motiondata for toothbrush 400.

In one embodiment, toothbrush 400 contains an imaging sensor (notshown). The imaging sensor may be used to aid in determining positionand motion data. In addition, after brushing a child may be instructedby the multimedia device (not shown) to chew a colored tablet that isdesigned to adhere to plaque. After chewing the tablet, toothbrush 400takes pictures using the image sensor and transmits the pictures to themultimedia device. In one embodiment, the multimedia device may displaythe pictures for the child to see the problem areas. Optionally, themultimedia device may analyze the pictures and identify problem areas ofinadequate brushing. During future brushing sessions, the multimediadevice may instruct the child to pay particular attention to the problemareas that were missed in one or more prior brushing routines.

FIG. 4 b illustrates an adaptor 450 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. Adaptor 450 includes housing 460 having a port462 for connecting adaptor 450 to a multimedia device (not shown). Anelectrical cable 464 connects a sensing bar 454 to the circuitry withinhousing 460 (shown in FIG. 5). In one embodiment, sensing bar 454includes a pair of infrared emitters 456, 458 which are spaced a setdistance from one another. The infrared emitters emit beams 480, 482 ofinfrared light, which are monitored by infrared detector 425 oftoothbrush 400. The infrared detector 425 identifies where the spots oflight emitted from beams 480, 482 fall on the array of pixels in theinfrared detector 425. Based on the location of the spots of light, theposition of the toothbrush 400 can be determined by either the controlcircuitry of the toothbrush or by the control circuitry of themultimedia device (not shown). When used in combination, accelerometer420 and infrared detector 425 may more accurately determine movement oftoothbrush 400.

Accordingly, toothbrush 400 may transmit data signals 160 indicative ofmovement of toothbrush 400 to a multimedia device 120 (FIG. 1). Movementof toothbrush 400 may be displayed on the multimedia device 120. Othervisual or graphical representations may also be included in the display,for example, a graphical representation of teeth may be displayed alongwith a graphical representation of toothbrush 400. In one embodiment, asa user moves toothbrush 400 from tooth to tooth or quadrant to quadrant,a graphical toothbrush on the visual display may also move from tooth totooth and from quadrant to quadrant.

In addition, movement of toothbrush 400 may be used to control a videogame. The game may be controlled by movement of toothbrush 400 alone orin combination with first and second user inputs 220, 222 (FIG. 2). Thevideo game may be a game specifically created to make the tooth brushingexperience enjoyable for a young child. For example, one game mayinclude the display of a tropical island surrounded by coral reefs. Thecoral reefs have teeth that need to be brushed. As the child brushes histeeth, the toothbrush transmits information such as, for example,pressure and location, and the multimedia device displays a characterdiving down and brushing the coral reef teeth. If the child brushes toohard, or stays in one position too long, the reef is damaged. Once allof the coral reef teeth are properly cleaned, a signal is sent to thechild to stop brushing. Preferably the game is complex enough and hasenough levels to keep a child's day to day interest. Optionally, thetoothbrush may function as a game controller and operate a standardvideo. In one embodiment, toothbrush 400 is a game controller thatcontrols the video game by simple movement of the toothbrush 400 and/orpressing user inputs while brushing.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block circuit diagram of the embodiments describedin FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. The block circuit diagram for toothbrush 400 issimilar to the block circuit diagram of toothbrush 103 in FIG. 2, andaccordingly components having like numbering are not redescribed herein.In addition to the components described with respect to toothbrush 103,toothbrush 400 includes motion sensors 420 a, 420 b and infrareddetector 425 in circuit communication with control circuitry 204.Similarly, the block circuit diagram for adaptor 450 is similar to theblock circuit diagram of adaptor 310 in FIG. 3 a, and accordinglycomponents having like numbering are not redescribed herein. Adaptor 450also includes infrared emitters 456 and 458 in circuit communicationwith communication control circuitry 340.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary methodology 600 of the operation of apersonal hygiene device, such as for example an electric toothbrush 601,establishing communications and communicating with a multimedia device651. In one embodiment, toothbrush 601 is turned on at block 602 andtransmits or broadcasts a communications signal at block 604. At block606 toothbrush 601 waits for a period of time and checks to determinewhether the transmitted communication signal is acknowledged bymultimedia device 651. If the signal is not acknowledged at block 606,toothbrush 601 again transmits or broadcasts a communications signal atblock 604.

Multimedia device 651 is turned on at block 652 and checks for a signalat block 654. If no signal is received at block 656, multimedia device651 waits a period of time and checks again for a signal at block 654.If a signal is received at block 656, multimedia device 651 transmits asignal acknowledging receipt of the signal and establishescommunications with toothbrush 601 at block 658. At block 660, if thesoftware is not already loaded, multimedia device 651 loads the desiredsoftware into the random access memory of the multimedia device 651. Inanother embodiment, the software may be downloaded directly fromtoothbrush 601. The software may be stored on a processor readablemedium in, for example, a game cartridge or a jump drive. In oneembodiment, the software is downloaded from a wireless network tomultimedia device 651. If desired, multimedia device 651 may store thesoftware in its own memory for future use each time it is connected totoothbrush 601.

If toothbrush 601 receives acknowledgment from multimedia device 651 andestablishes communications, toothbrush 601 transmits data to multimediadevice 651 at block 608. This data may be related to brushing data,movement or location of the toothbrush 601 and/or user inputs.Acknowledgement may be in the form of a specific signal being sent totoothbrush 601 or by simply initiating a communications link withtoothbrush 601. Toothbrush 601 waits for a period of time and checks todetermine if the data signal was received at block 610. If the datasignal was not received, control goes back to block 608 and the data isretransmitted. At block 612 toothbrush 601 determines whether there isadditional data to be sent. If there is additional data to be sent,control loops back to block 608 and transmits the additional data. Ifthere is no additional data the program ends at block 614.

Multimedia device 651 receives data at block 662, displays the data atblock 666, and at block 664 transmits a data received signal totoothbrush 601 acknowledging receipt of the data. At block 668multimedia device 651 checks to see if additional data is beingtransmitted. If no additional data is being transmitted, multimediadevice 651 waits a predetermined period of time and again checks foradditional data at block 668. Preferably multimedia device 651continuously checks for additional data until the multimedia device isturned off or the software program related to toothbrush 601 is closed.If multimedia device 651 determines additional data is beingtransmitted, control loops to block 662 where the data is received.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A personal hygiene system comprising: a personal hygiene devicehaving wireless communication circuitry; and a computer readable mediumcontaining processor executable instructions for causing a multimediadevice that was previously unassociated with the personal hygiene deviceto communicate with the personal hygiene device, to receive data fromthe personal hygiene device related to the use of the personal hygienedevice and for causing the multimedia device to provide an output as afunction of the data.
 2. The personal hygiene system of claim 1, whereinthe personal hygiene device is an electric toothbrush.
 3. The personalhygiene system of claim 2, further comprising an adaptor, wherein thecomputer readable medium for causing the multimedia device to displaydata is located in the adaptor.
 4. The personal hygiene system of claim3, wherein the adaptor is a game cartridge for a portable gaming device.5. The personal hygiene system of claim 2, wherein the computer readablemedium is located remotely from the multimedia device and the processorexecutable instructions are downloadable to the multimedia device via awireless network.
 6. The personal hygiene system of claim 2, wherein thecomputer readable medium is located on a transportable device and theprocessor executable instructions are downloadable to the multimediadevice through an input on the multimedia device.
 7. The personalhygiene system of claim 2, further comprising a motion detection device.8. The personal hygiene system of claim 7, wherein the motion detectiondevice is an accelerometer.
 9. The personal hygiene system of claim 7,wherein the motion detection device comprises an infrared detectorlocated on the toothbrush and at least two infrared emitters locatedremote from the toothbrush.
 10. The personal hygiene system of claim 9,wherein the motion detector further comprises an accelerometer.
 11. Anoral care system comprising: a toothbrush having wireless communicationcircuitry; an adapter for interfacing between the toothbrush and amultimedia device; and a processor readable medium containing processorexecutable instructions for causing the multimedia device to receivedata transmitted from the toothbrush and to display an output as afunction of that data.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the adaptoris a cartridge for a video game.
 13. The system of claim 11 wherein theadapter contains a connector for connecting to a port on a multimediadevice.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor executableinstructions cause the multimedia device to display brushinginformation.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the brushinginformation comprises at least one of elapsed time, remaining time,brushing force, time of brushing and battery status.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the adapter comprises the processor readable medium.17. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor readable mediumcontains processor executable instructions for a game, wherein the datatransmitted from the toothbrush is used to control one or more actionsin the game.
 18. A method of providing feedback related to the use of atoothbrush comprising: providing a toothbrush having wirelesscommunications capabilities for wirelessly communicating with a devicewhich was previously unassociated with the toothbrush; and providing aprocessor readable medium containing processor executable instructionsto cause the previously unassociated device to wirelessly communicatewith the toothbrush and to display data communicated from the toothbrushto the previously unassociated device.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein providing the processor readable medium comprises providing acartridge configured to connect to an input of the previouslyunassociated device.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein providing theprocessor readable medium comprises providing the processor readablemedium on a system remote from the previously unassociated devicewherein the instructions are capable of being wirelessly downloaded tothe previously unassociated device.